SymptomChecker

What causes blanching of skin? 17 possible conditions

What Is Blanching of Skin?

In the French language, “blanc” translates to “white.” Blanching
of the skin occurs when the skin becomes white or pale in appearance.

Blanching of the skin typically indicates a temporary
obstruction of blood flow. If you press gently on an area of your skin, it
likely turns lighter before resuming its natural color. However, not all
blanching of skin is temporary. Some conditions cause long-term or permanent
blanching.

What Causes Blanching of Skin?

The possible causes of blanching of skin can range from a
medical emergency to a temporary inconvenience.

Shock is a medical emergency that causes blanching of the skin,
as well as other signs and symptoms. The condition occurs when the body is not
getting enough blood or oxygen, usually due to one of the following:

significant blood loss

severe trauma

third-degree burns

clinical dehydration

severe infection

an allergic reaction

Shock is a medical emergency, so it’s important to be aware of
the symptoms in addition to blanching of skin. Symptoms include:

altered breathing, such as breathing too quickly or
too slowly

cool, clammy skin

loss of consciousness or feeling faint

nausea and vomiting

mental confusion

absence of urine output

Call 911 if you suspect you or a loved one may be experiencing
shock.

Several skin conditions can cause blanching of skin, including:

burned skin — can cause pigment loss

dermatitis, or skin irritation — some areas of skin
are red and others are pale

frostbite — the skin’s tissues become frozen, resulting
in loss of blood flow

tinea versicolor — a type of fungal skin infection

pressure sores — blanching of skin indicates impaired
blood flow

vitiligo — the skin has areas of smooth, white patches

A condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s disease is
also associated with blanching of skin. This condition is marked by spasmodic
constriction of the arterial blood vessels, which causes blanching of skin,
numbness, cold, and pain.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 5 percent of
Americans have Raynaud’s. The condition most commonly affects the fingers and
toes. However, some people have symptoms on their nostrils, lips, or earlobes.

Anemia (lack of red blood cells), or sudden blood loss, also
can cause blanching of skin.

What Are the Symptoms of Blanching of Skin?

Blanching of skin causes the skin to appear white or paler than
usual, depending on your skin tone. The skin may feel cool to the touch if
blood flow is affected.

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one
experiences any of the following symptoms in addition to blanching of skin:

inability to breathe well or catch your breath

skin burns that are severe, deep, or involve a large
area

a weak pulse

loss of consciousness

pale, clammy skin

uncontrolled nausea and vomiting, especially
vomiting blood

How Is Blanching of Skin Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose blanching of skin by conducting a physical
examination to determine potential causes. They’ll examine how the skin looks
around the blanched area and take your medical history to determine any
conditions that may contribute to the blanching of skin.

Blanching of skin caused by anemia, Raynaud’s disease, or shock
may be diagnosed with a blood test to determine low red blood cell levels.

How Is Blanching of Skin Treated?

Treatments for blanching of skin depend upon the underlying
cause. For example, doctors often correct anemia and shock by administering
blood products, intravenous fluids, and oxygen.

Home Care

Take care of your skin by washing regularly with antibacterial
soap and applying moisturizer to prevent skin damage. Keep the skin warm
through layering, wearing mittens or warm socks, and refraining from staying in
the cold too long.

People who are bed-bound require frequent turning to keep excess
pressure from causing bedsores. Pressure points such as the buttocks, elbows,
heels, and back of the head are vulnerable to pressure that can cause wounds
known as decubitus ulcers.

See a list of possible causes in order from the most common to the least.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition where blood flow to your fingers, toes, ears or nose is restricted or interrupted. This occurs when the blood vessels in your hands or feet constrict. Episodes of constriction ar...

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that results when you lose more than 20 percent (one-fifth) of your body's blood or fluid supply. This severe fluid loss makes it impossible for the heart to pum...

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Cardiogenic shock is a rare condition in which the heart is so damaged that it is unable to supply sufficient blood to bodily organs. Sweating and cold extremities are potential signs of this condition.

Anemia occurs when the number of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body is too low. Red cells carry oxygen to all the body's tissues, so a low red blood cell count indicates that the amount of oxygen in the blood i...

When people with severe allergies are exposed to their allergen, a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis can result: a series of symptoms such as rash, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing and shock.

Contact dermatitis is a condition that makes skin red or inflamed after contact with a particular substance. Contact dermatitis is either the result of an allergen or an irritant. Allergic dermatitis usually appear...

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin condition that usually occurs on the face, neck, and hands of young children. It may cause a number of skin symptoms that usually go away within one to two weeks.

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